A Season for Hope

Since I was a young child, people have commented on my name, Hope. The story
about my name goes back to the Christmas before my February birth. My
grandmother, my Gran Gran, was anxiously awaiting the birth of her first
grandchild. As she hung Christmas stockings on the mantle, she hung a new
stocking up with the glittered word “Hope” written on it. She was hopeful and
excited about the new child who would soon be a part of her family. Once I was
born, Hope became part of my name.

In the book of Isaiah, the Prophet Isaiah offers hope for the future in spite of
pending judgement. He announces that God Himself had chosen a miraculous sign
that was directed to all generations. Isaiah 7:14 says “Therefore the Lord himself
shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call
his name Immanuel.” These words predict the Virgin birth of the Messiah. This
promise of hope delivered by Isaiah is not only hope for the nation of Israel, but is
hope for all of us.

This season, as we celebrate the birth of the baby in Bethlehem, let us remember
that our hope is in Christ alone. It is through him that we are assured of eternal life.
And when we see the word hope on a decoration or Christmas card, let us
remember that hope is a name, and that name is Jesus.

Hope Huston